Smart Charging Stations Powered by Artificial Intelligence Ease the Burden on the Electric Grid
Researchers at TH Cologne have developed an innovative algorithm called GridMaximizer to manage electric vehicle charging stations and prevent overloading of power networks. This groundbreaking project employs a swarm principle, coordinating the charging of multiple electric vehicles across a mini distribution grid comprising several households.
The GridMaximizer application relies on charging infrastructure that manages itself after installation, without a central instance taking control. This self-managing charging infrastructure allows the system to collectively control charging loads, preventing overloading the power grid connection for the entire street.
The GridMaximizer algorithm determines the network status using measurement data like electrical voltage and current strength, standard load profiles, and aggregated power consumption of devices within a household. It also collects measurement data from charging stations already present in buildings to determine the current network status.
By optimising when and how electric cars are charged, the system spreads the load intelligently, avoiding power outages and grid overloads. This approach allows for more efficient use of existing grid infrastructure without needing costly grid expansions.
The GridMaximizer application offers a simpler approach compared to expensive network expansion or complex measuring technology implementation. It does not require a connection to the control room of the network operator, nor an additional control device to distribute charging power. Instead, it uses the data, information about the network topology, and the current network status to determine the optimal operating mode for the entire system.
The algorithm distributes free network capacity to charging electric vehicles while maintaining predefined voltage limits. This ensures a network-friendly charging process that benefits both the power grid and the electric vehicle owners.
A real-world test with a network operator is planned for the extended application, which aims to coordinate and network-friendly charging processes further by including controllable power consumers such as heat pumps. The project team is also working on patenting the GridMaximizer application in the USA and the EU.
The project leaders for GridMaximizer are Prof. Dr. Eberhard Waffenschmidt and Prof. Dr. Ingo Stadler from the Cologne Institute for Renewable Energy (CIRE) at TH Cologne. The system's control is taken over by an algorithm whose basic functions were developed in a predecessor project. This development marks a significant step towards sustainable and efficient e-mobility solutions.
[1] Source: TH Cologne press release, 2021.
- The GridMaximizer application, developed by researchers at TH Cologne, showcases how technology can be utilized in environmental-science, specifically in managing electric vehicle charging stations, to reduce the strain on power networks and promote sustainability.
- In the realm of industry and finance, the GridMaximizer project offers a cost-effective solution by eliminating the need for expensive network expansions or complex measuring technology implementation, thereby optimizing the use of existing infrastructure.
- By distributing free network capacity to charging electric vehicles while maintaining predefined voltage limits, the GridMaximizer algorithm bolsters the intersection of science and technology, paving the way for a network-friendly and environmentally conscious modern-day industrial development.
